Baby Your Baby With Infant Massage
By: Jackie King, COTA/L, LMT, NCTMB
What is Infant Massage?
The gentle art of Infant Massage is a tradition that has been passed from one generation to the next as part of baby care giving for many years. It is utilized by many cultures, and becoming more and more popular in the United States. With 20th Century progress, many cultures have pushed Infant Massage aside, but modern science is rediscovering its many wonderful benefits, and a resurfacing of this beautiful healing art are becoming evident.
Some of these benefits include but are not limited to improved digestion and elimination, increased neurological and motor development and most importantly, an overall decrease in stress level. Infant Massage consists of various massage strokes, positioning and holding techniques taught by a trained professional to the parents or caregivers.
The best time to begin Infant Massage is between two and six months of age, however you may begin at birth, as is customary in many countries in the world. Parents will soon recognize the best time to massage their infant according to the baby’s level of alertness. She will soon learn that when mom or dad rub lotion into their hands, a massage is soon on the way. She will anticipate it, and look forward to it.
Why should I Massage my Baby?
Touch is as important to an infant as food. You could say, it is necessary for survival.
Studies show that infants that are breast fed, carried or massaged routinely are less violent, less aggressive and more cooperative and compassionate. Rest assured, however, you do not need any special skills or talents to massage your baby. No matter what your lifestyle is, massaging your baby communicates love, releases tension and will help you better understand your baby’s needs.
Generally, infants learn early to communicate with touch or by cries. Once you learn the behavior cues, you can help your child communicate much easier, and help her to solve problems before they become major.
What are the benefits of Infant Massage?
Creating a stronger bond:
The bond between an infant and parent is an important one. With regular massage this bond can be strengthened by increasing skin and eye contact, being touched in a loving, nurturing manner, being held more frequently, and having a sense that her needs are being met.
Improved health of the infant:
We all want what is best for our child, including, and especially good health. Regular Infant Massage can help with improved health by aiding in proper digestion and elimination, helping to improve weight gain, improving neurological and motor developments, improving immune function and lowering stress hormone levels. Studies show that high levels of stress hormones are a leading cause of many illnesses in our society today.
One study done over a six-week period on premature babies who were massaged on a daily basis had dramatic results in many areas. These results include more time spent in the awake / alert states, less crying, lower cortisol levels (indicating less depression), and went to sleep faster, as compared to those babies who were only being rocked. Over the six-week period, these babies gained more weight, had improved emotionality, sociability, decreased urinary stress hormones, and had increased levels of serotonin, the brain’s natural pain reliever. These same babies were able to leave the hospital sooner, saving insurance companies and parents thousands of dollars.
Decreased stress levels for parents:
When parents are able to help their child relax, releasing pain and fear, they are able to relax and decrease their own stress levels. Massage can open a world of joy, love and acceptance to a child. Parents who massage their children on a regular basis report a greater sense of understanding of their child, as they have learned to listen not only with their ears, but also with their heart and their hands. Home becomes a happier place when everyone feels their needs are being met, including baby.
Parents are the first educators of infants. Massage is a wonderful way to teach your child to feel secure in his own body and feel confident to enter the world with little or no fear.
If you are interested in Infant Massage Classes, individual sessions, or you know of someone who would benefit from Infant Massage Classes, please call Massage Therapy by: Jackie King, LMT at 636-327-3261, or visit my website at www.massagebyjaking.com for a listing of class times and locations near you.
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